Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Captain, U.S. Marine Corps R

Unit:

Company I, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division "The Old Breed", U.S. Marine Corps

Awarded on:

August 5th, 1943

"For extraordinary heroism and distinguished service while in command of Company I, Third Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in combat against enemy Japanese forces west of the Matanikau River, Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, on 2 and 3 November 1942. On the afternoon of 2 November Captain Wells, ordered to attain the battalion objective which lay within his zone of action, maneuvered the troops under his command with such brilliant strategy and great personal courage that, despite stubborn enemy resistance, the Japanese were routed with heavy loss to their forces. On the following day, Captain Wells, although he realized his command was greatly outnumbered, daringly resumed the attack, inflicting devastating losses on the enemy. Cheering and encouraging his worn men in the midst of heat and severe enemy mortar and machine-gun fire during the latter phases of the assault, he personally led them in hand-to-hand combat, driving the Japanese from their position and completely annihilating them. His extreme valor and outstanding leadership were a constant inspiration to his officers and men and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

SPOT AWARD: Serial 721

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Captain

Unit:

Company I, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division "The Old Breed", U.S. Marine Corps

"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of Company I, Third Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces at Cape Gloucester, New Britain on 9 and 10 January 1944. Maintaining personal reconnaissance along the entire front line of his battalion during its assault against heavily fortified enemy emplacements and throughout fierce counter attacks against the battalion's hastily established defense position, Captain Wells transmitted valuable information to his commander, thereby enabling the skillful deployment of troops and weapons. On several occasions throughout this engagement he bravely directed mortar and howitzer fire and, by his daring initiative and outstanding efficiency, contributed essentially to the successful completion of this engagement. His unswerving devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

Commander 7th Fleet: Serial 0848